Diablo Cody Takes on 'Evil Dead'

On Wednesday Moviefone reported that Sam Raimi would not in fact be directing a resurrected 'Evil Dead,' the 1981 film that put him and Bruce Campbell on the cinematic road map. Instead, directing chores were going to fall to 'Panic Attack' director Fede Alvarez.

Well, here's some more news on the dug-up 'Dead': According to The Hollywood Reporter, Raimi and Campbell are producing the remake and teaming with original 'Dead' producer Rob Tapert through Raimi and Tapert's Ghost House Pictures. Alvarez has written the script, but the biggest news is that Diablo Cody is revising it. Cody, of course, wrote the horror flick 'Jennifer's Body,' starring Megan Fox, but that film was a flop. It'll be interesting to see what the trio of Raimi-Alvarez-Cody come up with -- especially by way of special effects, which were in their infancy when 'Dead' appeared (though it must be said that the in-camera and make-up effects are spectacular).

According to Raimi et al:

We are committed to making this movie and are inspired by the enduring popularity and enthusiasm for the 'Evil Dead' series. We can't wait to scare a new generation of moviegoers using filmmaking techniques that were not available to us thirty years ago as well as Fede bringing a fresh eye to the film's original elements."

The original centered on five kids vacationing in a cabin in the woods who unleash evil spirits. Campbell played lone survivor Ash, who later returned in 'Evil Dead II' (1987) and 'Army of Darkness' (1992).

There's no word on whether the character of Ash will be in the remake or if Campbell has designs on being in on the action.

Since the original 'Dead' is almost perfect in its thrills and chills, we wonder how much of an improvement can be made by a remake. What do you think?